Crab-Stuffed Crepes Recipe

Irresistible Crab-Stuffed Crepes Recipe: Fancy Brunch Magic

Delicate crab-stuffed crepes redefine ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Seafood lovers recognize these elegant rolls as sophisticated comfort food with a French-inspired twist.

Thin, lacy pancakes embrace succulent, sweet marine protein nestled within delicate folds.

Incredibly versatile, these crepes showcase marine delicacies in a light, refined presentation that impresses without overwhelming.

Subtle textures and rich flavors merge seamlessly, creating a harmonious dining experience that feels both luxurious and approachable.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the elegant simplicity of this dish’s preparation.

Prepare to elevate your cooking skills and delight dinner companions with this irresistible recipe.

Why Crab-Stuffed Crepes Are a Gourmet Dream

  • Elevate Seafood Elegance: These crab-stuffed crepes transform a classic French dish into a luxurious seafood experience with delicate layers of flavor and sophisticated presentation.
  • Quick Gourmet Comfort: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, combining simple techniques with premium ingredients for an impressive yet stress-free cooking adventure.
  • Texture Sensation Delight: Crispy crepe edges meet creamy crab filling and smooth lemon cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering contrast of textures that dance on your palate.
  • Versatile Celebration Dish: Perfect for intimate dinner parties, brunch gatherings, or a special weekend lunch, this recipe impresses guests while remaining approachable and delicious.

Ingredients List for Crab-Stuffed Crepes

Seafood and Protein:
  • Crab Meat: Sweet and delicate seafood that forms the heart of the stuffing.
  • Cheese (Parmesan or Gruyère): Adds rich, sharp flavor and helps bind the filling.
Crepe and Filling Base:
  • Crepes: Thin, delicate pancakes that serve as the wrapper for the crab mixture.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides texture and helps absorb moisture in the filling.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that adds richness and helps hold ingredients together.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth and flavor to the filling.
  • Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that add bright, green notes to the dish.
  • Mustard, Horseradish: Tangy condiments that provide a sharp, zesty kick.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with signature maritime flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich flavors.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich base for creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Flour: Thickening agent for creating a roux and developing sauce consistency.
  • Milk: Provides liquid and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Cheese: Adds melty, rich flavor to the sauce.

How to Roll and Fill Crab-Stuffed Crepes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) to get ready for our delicious adventure.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Grab a skillet and melt butter over high heat. Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until they turn soft and release their mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Transfer the sautéed mixture to a mixing bowl. Stir in:
  • Tangy mustard
  • Zesty horseradish
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Creamy mayonnaise
  • Crunchy breadcrumbs
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped parsley
  • Snipped chives
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 4: Gently Incorporate Crab

Carefully fold in delicate crab meat, keeping the texture light and fluffy.

Step 5: Stuff and Roll Crepes

Spoon the savory mixture into crepes, rolling them up with care. Nestle the rolled crepes in a baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until edges turn crispy and golden.

Step 7: Craft Luscious Lemon Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 8: Create Smooth Sauce Base

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.

Step 9: Finish Sauce with Flavor

Remove from heat and whisk in:
  • Salt
  • Shredded cheese
  • Bright lemon juice

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the lemon cheese sauce generously over the baked crepes. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Crab-Stuffed Crepes

  • Protect Delicate Crab: Handle crab meat gently to maintain its tender texture and prevent breaking into small pieces during mixing.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Pat crab meat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring your crepe filling stays perfectly cohesive and doesn't become watery.
  • Select Fresh Crab: Choose high-quality, fresh lump crab meat for the most robust flavor and best overall texture in your crepes.
  • Perfect Crepe Rolling: Use a light touch when filling and rolling crepes to keep them uniform and prevent tearing during baking.
  • Enhance Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Whisk milk into flour mixture gradually and consistently to prevent lumps in your lemon cheese sauce, creating a silky, creamy finish.

Storing Crab-Stuffed Crepes Without Getting Soggy

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover crab crepes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor mixing. Refrigerated crepes stay fresh for 2-3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze cooled crepes flat in freezer-safe containers or bags. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen crepes remain delicious for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated crepes in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. For frozen crepes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Use an oven to restore crispy edges and prevent sogginess. Microwave as a quick alternative, but expect softer texture.

What Sides Work with Crab-Stuffed Crepes

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or chardonnay complements the delicate crab and bright lemon sauce, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
  • Select Tangy Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the crepes' zesty flavors and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
  • Match with Roasted Asparagus: Grilled or roasted asparagus spears seasoned with sea salt and olive oil enhance the seafood's delicate sweetness and add elegant green vegetables to the plate.
  • Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, crusty sourdough slices help soak up the creamy lemon cheese sauce, adding textural interest and complementing the dish's rich, tangy profile.

Variations to Spice Up Crab-Stuffed Crepes

  • Seafood Symphony: Replace crab with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat for a luxurious seafood medley that brings ocean flavors to your plate.
  • Spicy Coastal Crunch: Add diced jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a zesty kick that complements the sweet crab meat.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired version that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Coastal Comfort: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour and use gluten-free crepes to create a lighter, celiac-friendly option without sacrificing rich, indulgent flavors.
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Crab-Stuffed Crepes Recipe

Crab-Stuffed Crepes Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delicate French crepes cradle succulent crab meat in this elegant coastal-inspired dish. Silky thin pancakes rolled with rich, herbed seafood create a luxurious meal that whisks you to Mediterranean shores with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Seafood Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crab
  • 12 prepared crepes

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces (56 grams) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (for crepes)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (for sauce)
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for crepes)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for crepes)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (for sauce)
  • ⅓ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 teaspoons chopped chives
  • ½ teaspoon Old Bay seafood seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch kosher salt (for crepes)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
  • 1 pinch fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (200°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
  2. Select a skillet and melt butter over high heat, creating a golden base for sautéing aromatics.
  3. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the butter, cooking until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
  4. Transfer the sautéed aromatics to a mixing bowl, creating a flavorful foundation for the crab filling.
  5. Incorporate Dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, chopped parsley, minced chives, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the bowl.
  6. Gently fold in delicate, fresh crab meat, being careful not to break the meat’s delicate texture.
  7. Spoon the luxurious crab mixture evenly onto prepared crepes, distributing the filling carefully.
  8. Roll the crepes tightly, creating neat cylindrical packages of seafood goodness.
  9. Arrange the stuffed crepes in a baking dish, ensuring they are positioned comfortably without overcrowding.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the edges to crisp and turn golden brown.
  11. While the crepes bake, prepare the lemon cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  12. Sprinkle all-purpose flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux.
  13. Cook the roux for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove any raw flour taste.
  14. Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking steadily to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.
  15. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  16. Remove the sauce from heat and add a pinch of salt, grated cheese, and a splash of lemon juice.
  17. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
  18. Plate the baked crab crepes and generously drizzle the warm lemon cheese sauce over the top.
  19. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional chopped herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Delicate crab meat blends beautifully with zesty horseradish and mustard for a bold, sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Crepes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making this an excellent make-ahead dinner option for busy families.
  • Fresh lump crab meat is crucial for the best texture and taste, so invest in high-quality seafood for superior results.
  • Old Bay seasoning adds a classic coastal essence that perfectly complements the sweet, delicate crab meat.
  • Gentle folding of crab mixture prevents breaking the delicate meat, ensuring tender, intact filling in each crepe.
  • Lemon cheese sauce provides a creamy, tangy finish that elevates the entire dish with bright, luxurious notes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 318 kcal
  • Sugar: 3.5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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